At The Kensington Bethesda, we like to look beyond the resume when hiring. Yes, credentials and experience are vital, but what truly sets our team members apart is their emotional intelligence, team spirit, and the sheer heart they bring to senior care.
These qualities help us fulfill Our Promise: “To love and care for your family as we do our own.”
This deep dive explores the intangible qualities we look for in every candidate, and how they translate into exceptional care for our residents and peace of mind for their families.
Emotional Intelligence is The Foundation of Compassionate Care
The most important quality we look for is emotional intelligence (EI), which is the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions effectively.
When caring for residents, especially those with cognitive or physical challenges, EI isn’t just helpful, but it’s essential.
Here’s why emotional intelligence matters in senior care:
- EI enables caregivers to recognize when a resident is distressed, even if they can’t express it verbally.
- EI fosters trust by helping team members communicate with empathy and calm.
- EI helps de-escalate challenging behaviors with dignity and patience.
At The Kensington Bethesda, emotional intelligence informs every aspect of care. This is especially true within our memory care neighborhoods, which support residents through every stage of cognitive decline.
It Takes a Village to Provide Exceptional Care
Senior care is never a solo endeavor. From nursing and life enrichment to dining and housekeeping, collaboration across departments is vital to providing a seamless, safe, and supportive environment.
Collaboration across departments is vital to providing a seamless, safe, and supportive environment.
Our departments work together, encompassing nursing and life enrichment, dining, and housekeeping. The result is a seamless, safe, and supportive environment.
We’re looking for team members who:
- Listen and communicate openly
- Step up to help their teammates
- Embrace shared successes and learn from challenges
This team-based philosophy is especially critical in complex care environments where coordinating multiple care plans requires exceptional communication and trust among team members.
What Makes The Kensington Bethesda Team Different
At The Kensington Bethesda, we value the attitude people bring to this position. We’re looking for people who see caregiving not just as a job, but as a calling.
The Inner Qualities We Prioritize
What we look for in compassionate senior care teammates:
- Genuine kindness: Those who treat residents like family.
- Respect for dignity: Even when memory fades, the person remains.
- Adaptability: Care needs change; so must we.
- Resilience: Emotional stamina to handle loss, transition, and growth.
- Curiosity: A drive to learn and grow, not just follow a checklist.
Love, dedication, and professionalism form the core of everything we do at The Kensington Bethesda.
How Our Hiring Process Prioritizes Inner Qualities
At The Kensington Bethesda, our interview process is designed to uncover the qualities that a resume can’t reveal.
We believe hiring is a two-way street. As much as we look for the right fit, we also want prospective team members to feel a sense of alignment with our culture and mission.
Seeing Day-to-Day Compassion in Action
When you walk through the halls of our community, you’ll feel the difference. You’ll see team members kneeling to meet residents at eye level, taking time to listen deeply, and collaborating seamlessly across departments.
Examples of our culture in action:
- A dining team member stops mid-service to offer comfort to a confused resident
- A nurse gently redirects a resident with dementia using Positive Approach® to Care techniques
- Housekeeping learning residents’ preferences to personalize every interaction
This isn’t just good service. It’s the kind of authentic, compassionate culture that makes families trust us with their loved ones.
FAQ: Hiring in Senior Living
What qualities are most important when applying to The Kensington Bethesda?
We prioritize emotional intelligence, teamwork, compassion, and a passion for working with seniors above all else.
Do I need senior care experience to apply?
Experience is helpful, but not required. We offer robust training and mentorship to those who share our values and are willing to learn.
What is the interview process like?
Our process includes behavioral questions, potential scenario role-plays, and a values-based discussion to ensure alignment.
How does The Kensington support team growth?
We offer continuous training, opportunities for advancement, and a culture that supports professional and personal development.
Where can I learn more about open senior living positions?
Visit our careers page to explore current opportunities and apply.
Join a Team That Cares Like Family
At The Kensington Bethesda, we believe the best senior care begins with the right people, those who lead with their hearts, listen with compassion, and collaborate with purpose. If you or someone you know embodies these traits, we’d love to hear from you.
Lead With Heart, Your Compassion Matters Here
If you’re a healthcare professional who connects deeply with others and wants to make a real difference, we’d love to meet you.
Join a community where your soft skills are just as valued as your clinical training. Apply now and bring your heart to our team.